PHOENIX, AZ — A 2-year-old boy is recovering in a local hospital after accidentally shooting himself with an unsecured firearm in a tragic incident in west Phoenix. The child’s father, 27-year-old Oscar Guerra, has been arrested and charged with one felony count of child abuse after leaving a loaded gun on a couch, within reach of his young son.
The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on July 9, 2025, near 83rd Avenue and Camelback Road in the Maryvale neighborhood. Phoenix police responded to reports of a shooting at a residence and found the toddler with a gunshot wound to his upper left arm, resulting in a broken humerus. The child was immediately taken to a hospital, where his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, and he is expected to recover.
**Negligence Leads to Preventable Tragedy**
According to court documents, Oscar Guerra admitted to police that he had placed the firearm on the armrest of a couch with the intention of cleaning it. However, he became distracted while watching videos on his computer, leaving the loaded gun unattended. The toddler’s mother, who was in the kitchen at the time, reported hearing a loud bang and found Guerra holding their injured son moments after the accidental shooting.
The mother told investigators that this was not the first time Guerra had left a firearm unsecured in their home. Despite her repeated warnings to secure his guns properly, Guerra failed to use available safety measures, such as a lockbox, to prevent access by their child. Guerra acknowledged to police that it was his responsibility to keep the firearm out of reach and admitted his actions were a serious mistake.
**Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigations**
Following the incident, Guerra was arrested and booked into Maricopa County Jail on one felony count of child abuse. He was later released without bail, pending future court proceedings. If convicted, Guerra could face up to seven years in prison, depending on the circumstances and his prior criminal history, if any. The Arizona Department of Child Safety has also been notified and is conducting a separate investigation into the incident to assess the family’s situation and ensure the child’s safety.
**A Call for Firearm Safety**
The Phoenix Police Department has emphasized the critical importance of responsible gun ownership, particularly in households with young children. Sgt. Rob Scherer stated, “The family at the home was interviewed, at which time it was learned that the father of the toddler, identified as 27-year-old Oscar Guerra, left the gun out and accessible to the victim prior to the accidental shooting.” Authorities are urging gun owners to adhere to strict safety protocols, including:
– Storing firearms unloaded in a locked safe or lockbox
– Using trigger locks to prevent accidental discharge
– Keeping ammunition stored separately from firearms
– Educating all household members about gun safety
– Never leaving firearms unattended, especially in the presence of children
**A Broader Context of Preventable Incidents**
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of accidental shootings involving young children across the United States. Similar tragedies, such as a recent case where a toddler fatally shot a sibling after accessing an unsecured firearm, underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and adherence to firearm safety practices. Advocacy groups and law enforcement continue to push for public education campaigns and policies to prevent such preventable accidents.
As the Phoenix community grapples with the aftermath of this incident, the focus remains on the toddler’s recovery and the broader call for responsible gun ownership to protect vulnerable lives.
